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Tyler Ellison
UNK Communications
Kearny-PAWS University has a new name, but its mission remains the same.
The program at the University of Nebraska, Kearney is now known as the Roper Launch Enrichment Camp. This is a change that better represents UNK’s role and long-term commitment to serving families in the Kearney area.
“We continue to offer the same educational and hands-on activities for elementary school students every summer,” said Amy Nebesniak, associate professor and program director in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at UNK.

Available to students in grades 1-6, Loper Launch is a fun and engaging way for children to stay connected to the UNK campus while continuing their learning throughout the summer. Families can choose from a variety of her one-week workshops and four-week academies led by UNK and local school district educators.
“Each year our teachers develop new and interesting classes to offer to children in the area. From STEM to art to Spanish, there are many options to choose from,” says Nebesniak.
Previously hosted by Kearney Public Schools, the curriculum-based summer camp moved to UNK in 2019. Almost 2,000 students have attended the program over the past four years, including the “Home Edition” offered in 2020, which lacked face-to-face instruction. Possible.
“This is a very positive factor for UNK,” said Nebesniak. “More children are learning and more children are getting higher education during the summer, which is a win-win for everyone involved. increase.”
This year’s Loper Launch Enrichment Camp is scheduled for June 5-30 at the UNK campus. The camp catalog will be available online on March 16th and registration will begin on March 23rd at 8:30 am. The one-week workshop costs $70 per student, or $45 for students who qualify for a free or discounted lunch.
Two four-week academies are available. A Reading Academy for students entering grades 1-3 and a performing arts academy offered in conjunction with the Crane River Theater Company for grades 4-6. These costs are $280 per student and $180 for students who qualify for a free or discounted lunch.
All workshops and academies run daily from 9am to noon, with early drop-off options available for an additional fee. Families who choose this option, called Countdown Hour, can bring their children to campus anytime between 7:30 a.m. and her 8:45 a.m. of the educational building during this time.
The new schedule will allow Loper Launch to remain accessible to working families while providing additional flexibility and free time for educators involved in the program. By adopting a morning-only format, each session will be 30 minutes longer than usual, allowing students to delve deeper into a variety of topics.
“We need to find a balance between how we can best serve our community and how we can sustain our program for years to come. .
For more information on the Loper Launch Enrichment Camp, please visit unk.edu/loperlaunch.
